Tuscaloosa, AL Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Sec. 4-43(a) defines "vicious or dangerous dog" behaviorally: a dog with a propensity, tendency or disposition to attack, injure or endanger people or other domestic animals as shown by habitual chasing, snapping or barking; any dog that attacks a human or another domestic animal without provocation; or any dog owned, harbored or trained primarily for dog fighting. There is no breed list anywhere in the section. Sec. 4-43(b) bans letting a classified dog run at large or be unrestrained in the city, and Sec. 4-43(c) requires that off the owner's property, the dog be securely muzzled to prevent biting and secured on a leash or chain of five feet or less, held by a person at least 16 years old.

Sec. 4-43(d) separately bans owning, harboring or training any dog for fighting or for unprovoked attacks. Sec. 4-43(e) bars keeping a vicious dog in any portion of a multiple dwelling, and Sec. 4-43(f) requires a prominent "Beware of Dog" sign once a court has so determined the dog. Sec. 4-43(g) lets a court order destruction of a dog that attacks a human or domestic animal if it finds the dog a continuing threat of serious harm. Sec. 4-43(h) removes ignorance as a defense to a running-at-large or improper-muzzling charge, and Sec.

4-43(j) makes a convicted owner liable for shelter, food, veterinary, breed-identification, boarding and destruction expenses tied to the seizure. Police dogs in training at a licensed facility are exempt under Sec. 4-43(k).